The APS Education Foundation’s A is for Art! gala – a celebration of visual and performing arts in Albuquerque Public Schools and one of the biggest benefit events for education in New Mexico – is Saturday, Nov. 7, at Hotel Albuquerque. We expect up to 500 people from throughout the community to revel in the talents of high school students throughout the city, all while dining on top-notch food.

A silent and live auction of more than 150 pieces of APS student work will highlight the evening, with Mark Ronchetti of KRQE News 13 serving as the emcee. Pieces from Santiago Davila of West Mesa, Grace Walker of La Cueva and Xena Gurule of Del Norte high schools will be part of the live auction, as well as the opportunity to “purchase” the Fine Arts program at Highland High School.

“A is for Art! has fulfilled its mission to celebrate fine arts throughout the district, but the truth is there’s still so much to do,” said Phill Casaus, executive director of the Foundation. “At one time, we really offered it as a way to see art and hear from the great performers who attend APS. But now, it’s become an event where you can meet some of the best kids in our district.

“The best of the best aren’t just valedictorians or sports stars,” he continued. “In a lot of cases, they are our artists, singers and musicians. They create every day. It’s innovation at its best.”

A variety of APS entertainers will be at the event, including Manzano High School product Audra Vigil, who is beginning her freshman year at the University of Texas and will major in classical guitar performance. In addition, look for mariachi music, jazz and a variety of other genres.